Welcome to an exclusive interview with Taves, the visionary behind the latest buzz in the music scene! With a dynamic fusion of inspiration and innovation, Taves is carving out a unique niche in the industry. From the pulsating beats of “Bodija” to the soul-stirring melodies of “Folake,” each track is a testament to Taves’ creative prowess and dedication to authenticity. Today, we delve into the mind of Taves, exploring the stories behind the music, the evolution of his sound, and the exciting collaborations on the horizon. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind the magic!
Q: Congratulations on your recent releases! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest music?
A: “Bodija” is a track that reflects my connection to my hometown, Ibadan. Even though I’m not originally from there, I’ve spent most of my life there. I felt that Ibadan, as a place, wasn’t getting enough representation in music, so I wanted to shed some light on it. The song was actually born out of my first experience at a club in Ibadan, and I wanted to capture the essence of a party in the song. “Folake,” on the other hand, was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend. Although the song’s concept isn’t directly related to that conversation, it sparked something within me creatively. We were just talking about various topics, and somehow that conversation led me to create “Folake.”
Q: How would you describe your sound/music style?
A: I would describe it as diverse. If you listen to the music I release, you’ll notice that no two songs sound alike. Recently, I’ve put out three songs, and each one has its own unique vibe. I love this diversity because it allows me to showcase different sides of myself. I’ve never been one to stick to a single style because I enjoy experimenting with new sounds and ideas. You never know what might come out of it.
Q: What was the journey like leading up to your discovery by BNXN? How did that happen?
A: I recorded my first song back in 2019, which was also my debut release. It was a thrilling experience, filled with fun and excitement. Even though it wasn’t easy, I found joy in the process. Fast forward to now, there are higher stakes involved, but the excitement and passion remain intact. Back then, I didn’t have a clear direction or roadmap; I was just following my instincts and enjoying the ride. In 2019, I dropped my first EP, followed by another in 2020. Then, in 2021, when I turned 18, I released another EP. If you listen to my first song to the latest releases as they progress, you’ll notice significant growth. I’ve always been open to learning and improving because I knew there was so much more to explore and refine in my music. Before my original releases, I used to do covers of songs I loved. It wasn’t about getting the attention of the artist ; it was more about me just doing something that I loved and then putting it out for other people to see, hoping that they loved it as well . When I did that ‘For Days” cover, I knew that it was good and that it was solid, but I did not know that it was going to take off in the craziest way possible. It was a surreal moment in my life, experiencing the overwhelming response to something I created. Since then, the journey has been nothing short of incredible.
Q: Do you feel your style and sound have evolved since your earlier releases?
A: 100%, If you compare the music I released after the “For Days” cover with what I put out before it, you’ll notice a huge difference. I became much more intentional with my music. Working with Bnxn and being a part of his label played a crucial role in this transformation. It made me realize that I had something to prove, not just to myself but to everyone else as well. While I still prioritize having fun with my music, I couldn’t rely solely on that anymore. I became more focused and locked in on my goals. My mindset underwent a complete shift, and I began approaching my craft with a newfound determination and purpose.
Q: What challenges did you encounter while working on your music, and how did you overcome them?
A: For me, the biggest challenge is constantly striving to be better than I was yesterday. While there are other aspects like handling the increased public scrutiny and various stresses that come with being in the spotlight, I’m fortunate to have a supportive circle around me to navigate through those challenges. However, my primary focus remains on honing my craft. I never want to be stuck repeating the same thing over and over again. That’s why I’m always eager to learn and explore different musical avenues to gain new perspectives and keep pushing myself creatively.
Q: What are your thoughts on the phenomenon of ‘stan wars’ that often occur on social media platforms?
A: On stan wars, Honestly, I’m not interested in getting caught up in any drama. My focus is solely on the music I create. I believe its beautiful music and my goal is for people to appreciate and enjoy it. I’m not here for any negativity or controversies; I just want everyone to have the opportunity to listen to my music and hopefully find something meaningful in it.
Q: How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and meeting audience expectations?
A: Personally, I believe in staying true to myself above all else. I won’t jump on a trend just because everyone else is doing it. What matters most to me is doing what makes me happy. If something aligns with my passions and interests, then I might explore it, but if it doesn’t resonate with me, I won’t pursue it.Staying authentic is crucial for me because I know that if I start conforming to what everyone else wants or following trends blindly, I’ll lose sight of what truly brings me happiness. And ultimately, my happiness is what’s most important in my music journey, and also people can tell when it’s genuine, so of you are not feeling it then no else is going to feel it.
Q: Can you share any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had since bursting into the scene
A: Meeting seasoned artists whom I’ve long admired and respected has been incredibly gratifying. It’s surreal when they acknowledge and appreciate my work, saying things like, “I connect with what you are doing” or “You are a bad boy.” These moments blow my mind every time.
Q: Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?
A: At the top of my list is Asa. She’s been my musical inspiration since I was just eight years old. The idea of collaborating with her would be beyond incredible for me. There’s so much nostalgia tied to her music, and it would be a dream come true to work alongside her. Another artist I admire and would love to collaborate with is Lojay. His music resonates with me, and I believe we could create something special together. And of course, there’s Burna Boy. Collaborating with him would be nothing short of mind-blowing.
Q: What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or collaborations?
A: I’ve got a project in the works, scheduled to drop this year, and let me tell you, it’s going to be mind-blowing. I’m bringing something to the table that nobody has ever heard before. While I don’t want to give away too much, I can assure you that it’s going to be an unforgettable experience. There’s one collaboration featured on the project, and I can promise you, it’s going to be awesome.
